One study of healthy women found that those who had sex after 36 weeks pregnant were significantly less likely to go past their due date or require labor induction. But another study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found no difference between sexually active and abstinent moms when it came to length of gestation.
Midwives have long recommended inducing labor naturally by drinking castor oil 2 ounces in a glass of orange juice or mixed with ice cream. The idea is that castor oil can stimulate the smooth muscle of the bowels, promote the release of prostaglandin, and nudge the nearby uterus into action.
Research results are varied, but two recent trials showed that full-term pregnant people who were given castor oil were more likely to go into labor within 24 hours. But the side effects—including nausea, explosive diarrhea, and dehydration— can be grueling, Myers says. A safer bet for those past 39 weeks? Load up on spicy food, which could have similar results without the nasty side effects but be prepared for heartburn and puffy ankles, because spicy food taxes your digestive system.
Midwives most commonly suggest evening primrose oil and blue cohosh as natural ways to induce labor. Though each herb has a plausible mechanism for working , they also come with potential downsides. Evening primrose oil, which is prescribed in capsule form to be taken three times a day or rubbed directly on the cervix, is believed to help soften the cervix and ready it for labor.
However, the few published studies that have looked at its effectiveness failed to find that its use caused labor to begin any earlier. But one study suggests it may actually prolong the active phase of labor and boost the incidence of certain labor complications such as arrested descent of the fetus in the birth canal. Both blue Caulophyllum and black cohosh Cimicifuga have been used to treat menstrual ailments for centuries.
However, some studies have suggested that blue cohosh can have some dangerous side effects in pregnancy, so it should be avoided. Meanwhile, raspberry tea is often recommended in the weeks before a due date to tone the uterus but hasn't proved to have any effect on labor. And numerous studies have suggested that using acupuncture to induce labor naturally is promising, but other studies link it to prolonged pregnancy. Forty-three percent of the respondents in Dr.
Schaffir's study said they exercised more in the final days of pregnancy in hopes of bringing on labor. Can pineapple induce your labor?
What about castor oil? A certified nurse midwife weighs in on natural tactics that women use hoping to coax their bodies into labor. Learn more about vaccine availability.
Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Overdue Baby? Nurse Midwife vs. Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. Truth or Tale? Share this article via email with one or more people using the form below. Prior to applying acupressure to yourself, make sure you get proper instruction from a trained acupressure professional.
Drinking a little bit, like only 1—2 ounces People should be careful not to drink too much. Some research shows that eating dates in the final weeks of pregnancy. Most pregnant people at 40 weeks are likely ready to have their babies out of their bellies as soon as possible and in their arms. However, there are plenty of perks to waiting until your body naturally decides to go into labor — including recovery.
More time in the womb can mean both you and your new baby get to go home from the hospital sooner. Infants who are born after a full-term pregnancy also experience other benefits. More time in the womb typically means:.
Let your body do the work for a few more days and take the time to get as much rest as you possibly can. You and your baby will need all your energy soon enough!
Before trying anything that might induce labor, speak with your healthcare provider to go over any risks or possible complications. Though some of these methods are popular folklore among pregnant women, little scientific evidence supports their efficacy.
Here are some natural ways to start contractions. As you approach your due date and delivery, you might be wondering how to speed up the process. Are you pregnant and past your due date?
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